Farm Animals

Pig Regrouping Strategies to Reduce Aggression

Regrouping pigs causes aggression as they re-establish hierarchy, with welfare consequences ranging from minor injuries to serious wounds and even death in extreme cases.

Key Facts

Post-regrouping aggression peaks in the first 24-48 hours and gradually subsides
Mixing in a novel pen rather than a familiar pen reduces territorial aggression
Dimming lighting during and after regrouping reduces fighting intensity
Provision of multiple feeding points and enrichment distracts from aggression
Olfactory masking using strong scents can reduce stranger identification and fighting

Welfare Considerations

Regrouping aggression causes significant pain and fear. Management strategies that reduce aggression are proven and should be implemented routinely.

What You Can Do

Implement regrouping management protocols including novel pen use
Reduce lighting intensity during the critical first 24 hours after mixing
Provide diversion materials at regrouping to redirect aggression
Minimise the number of regrouping events across the production cycle